FORT SMITH, Ark.—Treadco Inc. continued to struggle with effects of changing retread suppliers and loss of national account business during the first quarter.

The commercial tire dealership and retreader reported a net loss of $1.89 million, compared with a loss of $1.18 million in 1996, as sales edged up 3.4 percent to $33.2 million.

The company said the results reflect slower-than-expected replacement of national account retread business lost in 1996 as it switched from being a Bandag Inc. franchisee to an Oliver Rubber Co. licensee.

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